Heavy snow could be possible in San Diego County’s mountains Saturday night, which have already been buffeted by strong, gusty winds.
A National Weather Service wind advisory that will expire at 4 p.m. will be followed by a winter storm warning set to remain in effect for areas with altitudes higher than 5,000 feet from 4 p.m. today to 4 p.m. Monday.
Overnight, gauges recorded gusts of 61 mph in Harrison Park, of 59 on Volcan Mountain and of 58 near the Lucky Five Ranch, all near Julian, and of 48 mph in Boulevard, according to the weather service. Southwest to west winds of up to 35 mph with gusts to 55 mph were forecast for areas near mountain ridge tops and along desert mountain slopes into this afternoon.
Forecasters said the low pressure system that brought strong, gusty wind to the mountains and deserts would also usher snow into higher mountain elevations tonight into early Sunday and again Sunday night into Monday.
“A cold low pressure system from the north will bring periods of snow showers into early Tuesday with locally heavy snowfall possible,” according to the weather service. “Snow levels will lower to around 5,500 feet today and 4,500 to 5,000 feet for Sunday through early Tuesday.”
Less than four inches of snow accumulation is forecasted for areas between 4,000 and 5,000 feet, four to eight inches is expected from 5,000 to 6,000 feet and a foot or more could be possible higher then 6,000 feet, forecasters said.
The NWS advised mountain residents and motorists to prepare for hazardous conditions and possible road closures, and to carry chains, extra food and clothing.
Light rain was also expected to continue falling in the mountains and westward. Rainfall totals from the entire weekend are expected to range from a half-inch to an inch along coast to up to two inches in the mountains.
—City News Service
